They pulled out of the tournament in 2015 ending a 25-year association although organisers were quietly confident that they would be back at the highly acclaimed international youth competition.

Welcoming the news, chairman Victor Leonard said he was extremely happy to see the Old Trafford favourites on their way back.

“Despite the disappointment two years ago we still maintained a good working relationship with United and respected their decision which, while difficult for us, was taken because of certain training requirements for the club’s reserves at that time,” he added.

“Manchester United are a huge draw at SuperCupNI and we have been able to enjoy enormous success over the years because of their much valued and unwavering support.”

Representatives of the tournament have regularly kept in touch with the club where they continue to be well received.

United, six times Premier title winners, will contest the Junior competition, one of six English clubs involved. Middlesbrough, Sheffield United, Plymouth Argyle, Swindon Town and Southampton join Glasgow Rangers and six Ulster County teams in the mix.

Four American sides and representatives from Mexico, Chile and New Zealand will also feature along with Cherry Orchard, North Dublin and Dundalk Schoolboys from the Republic of Ireland.

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Victor said: “The American contingent places high value on competing here because of the standard of opposition and the chance to introduce their players to challenging international aspects of the game.”

First Choice Soccer, GPS Bayern, Strikers and NC Elite make up half of the rest of the world line up in the 24-strong Junior competition, alongside Colina of Chile, Mexico’s Chivas Guadalajara and the Auckland-based MS Select who are back again from New Zealand.

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Meanwhile, organisers are hoping to be able to confirm further exciting news involving Manchester United soon.

The tournament begins in Coleraine on Sunday, July 23, with a traditional welcome ceremony at the Showgrounds after competing teams have paraded through the town centre. Ballymena Showgrounds hosts finals night on Friday, July 28.